Raffles to operate London’s ‘most unique hotel’

Raffles to operate London’s ‘most unique hotel’

London – 19 June 2017 –Raffles Hotels & Resorts, the top luxury brand of AccorHotels Group, signs a partnership with the Hinduja Group and Obrascon Huarte Lain Desarrollos (OHLD) to transform the iconic Old War Office building in Whitehall into what it claims will be “the most unique hotel and deluxe residences in London”.

The Grade II* listed Old War Office, with its 1,100 rooms across seven floors and two miles of corridors, was completed in 1906. It was the office to many of the UK’s most important and influential political and military leaders of the 20th century, notably Sir Winston Churchill, David Lloyd George, Lord Kitchener, Herbert Asquith and T.E. Lawrence.

It was also the haunt of the British Secret Service who had their own, more discreet entrance.

Close to 10 Downing Street, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey, the Old War Office was bought by Hinduja Group and OHLD in December 2014 following a public bid. Planning permission was granted for a multi-purpose development including 125 rooms (of which 40 percent are suites), 88 private residences, restaurants and other amenities.

Completion is expected in just over three years.

Sébastien Bazin, chairman and CEO of AccorHotels said: “This is the start of an important partnership for Raffles Hotels & Resorts and will create a new and vibrant landmark for London. This is a significant step for Raffles and a strategic addition to the group’s luxury portfolio.”

Gopichand P. Hinduja, the Hinduja Group’s co-chairman said: “Our new partnership with Raffles Hotels and Resorts is a significant milestone in our vision to transform the Old War Office into London’s finest luxury destination.

“Raffles brings a unique understanding of British heritage and tradition that will help revive this great British landmark.”